Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center Introduction
The indigenous population in Taiwan is predominantly found in Hualien and Taitung, while Taoyuan City is home to 16 indigenous tribes, with a population that exceeded 70,000 in 2017, making it the city with the highest indigenous population in western Taiwan after Hualien and Taitung. In May 2004, the Taoyuan Indigenous Cultural Center was established, serving as a hub for indigenous culture in the city, and it is now also listed as one of the Taoyuan City Story Museum Group. The cultural center aims to create a landmark for indigenous culture, which is reflected in the design of the building and its surrounding plaza, showcasing various indigenous styles. Features include totem poles representing the spirit of the tribes through beautiful lines, the lookout tower used for guarding the borders against outsiders, and the Rainbow Boulevard symbolizing unity among the tribes, with carvings of the unique totems of each tribe around its base, combining the colors of tribal costumes with Taiwan's distinctive terrain and landscape to convey the idea of cultural integration. The plaza is equipped with introduction panels for each tribe, as well as a map indicating the distribution of indigenous peoples across Taiwan, providing visitors with an initial understanding of indigenous culture. The cultural center also incorporates museum functions, displaying various traditional indigenous artifacts, such as handicrafts, weaving tools, indigenous clothing, and hunting knives. The exhibition hall presents significant historical events and traditional festival introductions of various tribes, where visitors can learn about indigenous history through detailed text descriptions and old photographs. Additionally, the center regularly hosts art exhibitions, offering a platform for indigenous artists to showcase their tribal culture. Beyond static displays, visitors can participate in guided tours and DIY experiences at the workshops of resident artists. From Friday to Sunday, attendees can enjoy performances of indigenous dance by the resident dance troupe, experiencing the vibrant life of indigenous songs and dances. Annual seasonal rituals are also held here.
